Waterside Upmarket
A vibrant riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, offering artisan crafts, unique gifts, and diverse street food with live entertainment.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Waterside Upmarket
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, offering artisan crafts, unique gifts, and diverse street food with live entertainment.
"Fantastic atmosphere, friendly traders, and a great place to find unique gifts and delicious food."
🎯 Check Market Dates
Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment.
💰 Food Prices Can Be High
Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Delights
Various food stalls
Indulge in a global culinary journey with samosas, mac and cheese, burgers, doughnuts, and more. A foodie's paradise!
Artisan Crafts & Gifts
Craft and gift stalls
Discover unique handcrafted treasures, jewelry, vintage finds, and artwork. Perfect for finding that special something.
Riverside Ambiance
Along the River Avon
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere by the river, with live music and street performers adding to the charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Market Dates
Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment.
💰 Food Prices Can Be High
Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions.
🚶♀️ Explore the Riverside
The market's location by the river offers a lovely atmosphere and views.
🎶 Live Entertainment
Often features live bands and performers, adding to the vibrant vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Market Dates
Markets aren't daily! Confirm dates on social media to avoid disappointment.
💰 Food Prices Can Be High
Enjoy the food, but be aware prices can be steep for small portions.
🚶♀️ Explore the Riverside
The market's location by the river offers a lovely atmosphere and views.
🎶 Live Entertainment
Often features live bands and performers, adding to the vibrant vibe.
🛍️ Unique Finds Await
Great for gifts, jewelry, and artisan crafts.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking in Stratford can be tricky; consider public transport or walking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waterside Upmarket is a popular riverside market in Stratford-upon-Avon, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse artisan stalls, and tempting street food. Visitors enjoy the live entertainment and the opportunity to find unique gifts. However, some find the food and craft prices to be quite high for the portion sizes.
"This market is in the park- pedestrianised area alongside the river and the theatre. Ideal for people that enjoy walking and wondering around the town.
It's a regular market with lots of stalls selling a range of products (food, drinks, gifts, clothes, art..). At specific times of the year, there's additional products such as gifts for 🎄☃️Christmas.
Don't forget though there's also the 🎄Christmas shop (aprox 10 minute walk) in the main shopping area which is open all year round."
Laura PJ Latham
"Lovely place u so love being there as much as I can .its a good atmosphere. Feeling is very relaxing .yet you if you dare which I have a dance sing .be relaxed.
They have live bands.up near the bridge from jazz to blues.
They may even have hear morris dancer..which Lovely to see.
Hear is very creative pot of excitement
Which so much.."
Char Daley (Char-M)
"Horrendous rip-off food joints, totally overpriced tourist rates and tiny portions. You'll never be able to afford to feed yourself, buy any food here and you'll still be starving afterwards, maybe hungrier than when you joined the queue.
Thankfully the pubs and restaurants around this location are top-notch.
The people running these joints are mostly pretty cool but they're probably paying through the nose to be here.
These to tourist milker market food joints do not represent this country nor any other country they're themed upon."
Daddy Pig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterside Upmarket is located by the river and the theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can reach it by walking from the town center. Parking can be challenging, so consider public transport or walking if possible.
Parking in Stratford-upon-Avon can be limited and expensive. There are several car parks in the town, but it's advisable to check their availability and cost in advance.
Stratford-upon-Avon is well-served by public transport, including buses and trains. From the station or bus stops, it's a pleasant walk to the market area.
The market is located in a pedestrianized area alongside the river, which is generally flat and accessible. However, specific stall layouts can vary.
Waterside Upmarket typically operates on Sundays, with other markets like Rother Street market running on Fridays and Saturdays. Always check their social media for the most up-to-date schedule.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Waterside Upmarket is free! You can wander through the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission fee.
Waterside Upmarket is usually open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. However, it's always best to confirm the exact hours on their social media pages, as they can vary.
Yes, Waterside Upmarket is primarily a Sunday market. Other markets, like the Rother Street market, operate on Fridays and Saturdays. Special events and seasonal markets, like Christmas markets, also have specific dates.
Absolutely! Christmas markets at Waterside Upmarket offer a festive atmosphere with unique gifts and seasonal treats, making it a magical experience.
While not explicitly stated, markets in public spaces often allow well-behaved dogs on leads. It's advisable to check with the market organizers if you have concerns.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stalls
You'll find a diverse range of stalls including clothing, jewelry, vintage items, handcrafted gifts, art, homeware, and more.
Yes, the market is known for its artisan products and handcrafted treasures, making it an excellent place to find unique gifts.
Indeed, vintage finds and items are often available at Waterside Upmarket, appealing to those who love unique and pre-loved treasures.
You can find a variety of jewelry, including gemstone pendants, rings, sterling silver pieces, and river pearl jewelry.
Many visitors report friendly traders who are happy to chat about their products.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market boasts a wide array of street food, including samosas, mac and cheese, burgers, Yorkshire burritos, doughnuts, cookie pies, and more.
Some visitors find the food to be quite expensive with small portions, suggesting it might be a splurge rather than a budget meal option.
With diverse street food offerings like samosas and various baked goods, it's likely you'll find vegetarian and potentially vegan options, though specific choices may vary.
Yes, you can find a range of drinks, including refreshing beverages and specialty drinks like gin.
You can enjoy your food by the riverside, finding a spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant market stalls, the picturesque riverside setting, street performers, and the diverse food offerings.
The lively atmosphere with shoppers, traders, and performers makes it ideal for capturing candid moments.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the market setup, while late afternoon might offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of individual traders and their privacy.
Yes, street performers are part of the market's charm. It's polite to ask before taking close-up shots or to offer a small tip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a less crowded weekday morning if possible, or arrive early on weekends to navigate the market more easily with little ones. The market is generally accessible, making it easier to manage strollers.
👫 Couples & Date Ideas
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Waterside Upmarket Experience
The market is particularly known for its Sunday operations, drawing crowds eager to explore the stalls and enjoy the riverside ambiance. Live entertainment, such as bands and street performers, frequently adds to the festive mood, making it a delightful spot for a day out. It's a place that encourages leisurely browsing, discovery, and soaking in the local culture, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
While the market offers a fantastic shopping and dining experience, it's worth noting that some visitors find the food prices to be on the higher side. However, the quality of the crafts and the overall atmosphere often outweigh this concern for many. The market's proximity to other Stratford attractions, like the theatre, also makes it a convenient stop during a day of exploration.
Culinary Delights at the Market
While the variety and taste are generally praised, a recurring theme in reviews is the cost of the food. Some visitors find the prices to be quite high for the portion sizes, leading to a sentiment that it can be an expensive place to eat. This means that while you can certainly enjoy a fantastic meal, it might be more of a treat or a splurge for those on a tighter budget.
Despite the cost concerns, the quality and diversity of the food ensure that it remains a popular aspect of the market experience. It's a great place to sample different cuisines and enjoy a casual bite while exploring the stalls and the riverside.
Shopping for Unique Treasures
Beyond jewelry and clothing, you can discover handcrafted treasures, artwork, and other artisan products. This makes the market an ideal destination for finding special gifts or souvenirs that stand out from the usual tourist fare. The emphasis on small businesses and independent makers means that each item often has a story behind it, adding to its appeal.
While some of the crafts can also be on the pricier side, the quality and uniqueness of the items are frequently highlighted as a major positive. Browsing the stalls is an experience in itself, offering a chance to interact with the creators and appreciate their skills.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit